EP1525926A1 - Apparatus for delabelling and cleaning kegs - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for cleaning and removing labels from barrels (4), especially beer barrels, preferably beer barrels with an integrated self-cooling device, comprises at least one rotating device for rotating the barrel, and at least one removing station (II) in which the barrel is rotated relative to a fixed removing device (13) that removes the label from the barrel casing. Preferred Features: The removing device has at least one liquid (14) or air nozzle for discharging liquid or air or at least one knife that acts on the barrel.

Description

The invention relates to a device for Entetikettieren and cleaning of barrels with a firmly attached to the barrel mantle, preferably completely encircling Label, in particular beer kegs, preferably beer kegs with an integrated self-cooling device.

Barrels of any content are primarily attached to the barrel mantle Labels marked. This is especially the case with beer kegs. About the Label information to the user for example on beer kegs given about the manufacturer as well as the content. The labels will be either for a long time using an adhesive, for example Casin glue firmly stuck on the barrel coat. Alternatively, it is known to use plastic labels instead of the paper labels used which are mainly applied circumferentially around the barrel. There are different techniques conceivable. On the one hand, arcuate labels used, which wrapped around the barrel and then in the overlap area be connected to each other. In addition, it is also known that Make labels as a sleeve and over the barrel in the manner of a hose pull and shrivel by means of a heat treatment. The used Plastic labels are usually made of polystyrene or polyethylene, however Other plastics are also usable. Although these labels, if they are attached to the barrel as described above, not using a Adhesives are glued directly to the barrel coat, so results in the barrel the time still a very strong adhesion of the label on the barrel mantle. This is up attributed the plastic materials used, which in time one more or show less pronounced material change, which causes the label sticking to the barrel mantle. This is especially true with beer kegs an integrated self-cooling device to watch. Such a self-cooling Beer keg is z. B. from EP 1 054 222 known. This beer keg has one Self-cooling device based on an absorber material, the water in one the beer bubble surrounding water reservoir is absorbed, adsorbed. During this evaporation process the beer is deprived of heat, it becomes so cooled. At the same time the absorber material heats up, especially in Form of a zeolite granulate. This causes the drum casing to heat up and with it the label in the immediate investment area. Because of this warming imparts a superficial softening that causes the label adhering to the barrel mantle here as well.

The removal of such adhesive labels is cumbersome, especially if the labels completely surround the barrel, as for example in the above described beer kegs with integrated self-cooling device, where the labels shrunk as a sleeve, the case is.

The invention is based on the problem to provide a device based on simple way the removal of a firmly attached to a barrel label allows.

To solve this problem is in a device of the type mentioned at least one rotating device for rotating the barrel and at least one Ablösestation provided in which the barrel by means of the rotating device with respect a fixed detaching device is rotatable, by means of which the label peeled off the barrel mantle.

In the apparatus according to the invention, the keg is moved by a rotating device, in which it is held in any manner, with respect to a fixed detaching device, which is part of a transfer station, turned. The detachment device is for Peeling the label formed, d. H. the label will be cut in sections during peeled off his barrel past the detachment device from the drum casing and removed. In this way, the label can be easily and quickly removed.

The detaching device comprises at least one liquid nozzle for dispensing of peeling off causing liquid. Appropriately, this is done Water used, which is applied under high pressure. The liquid jet, mainly from an angle ≠ 90 ° to the barrel mantle, slit-like liquid nozzle is applied, first cuts the Label and then peels it in the area of the cutting edge upon rotation of the barrel from the coat. Alternatively to using a liquid to peel off the Labels, it is also conceivable to use air, including the detachment device has corresponding executed air nozzle, inflated through the air at high pressure becomes. Finally, it is conceivable to use at least one directly on the barrel attacking, peeling off the label knife.

Although it would be conceivable in principle, a liquid or air nozzle or a Use knife whose length or substantially the label length corresponds to completely peel off the label during one or a few rotations, provides a useful embodiment of the invention that the at least a liquid or air nozzle or the at least one knife during peeling substantially vertically with respect to the rotating barrel is moved. So it is with respect to the label length a much shorter nozzle or a much shorter knife used, which during the rotation and Peeling process is moved vertically. The nozzle or the knife can either be moved continuously vertically, expediently an oscillating Movement is realized, d. h., the nozzle or the knife is repeated several times moved up and down during the peeling process, so that a multiple nationwide peeling and cleaning results. In such a case The label is peeled off spirally, so to speak. It is also conceivable, the nozzle or to move the knife intermittently vertically. In this variant, the nozzle or the knife is always moved vertically by a predetermined distance and then locked while the barrel continues to rotate. At this Embodiment, the label is peeled quasi ring-like. Both embodiments however, lead to a complete replacement of the firmly attached, achieved quasi an adhesive bond to the barrel coat received label becomes.

A central problem is the removal of the peeled label or the peeled off Label parts from the area of the detachment station or the detachment device, so that these labels or label parts in continuous operation of the device Do not add the detachment station. That's why a particularly advantageous looks Invention embodiment in that the rotating device means to the upper side Hold the barrel so that it hangs down freely. In the inventive Device is a barrel so kept up, hanging down it free. Now attack the release device on the side of the label and peel it off from, then falls off the peeled label or the peeled label parts down They do not reach the area of the detaching device at any time and can add to them or interfere with their operation. This is a special one Advantage, as this allows a continuous cleaning operation. Around the barrel, with its entire curb weight down at the turning device depends on being able to hold safely, the means are either mechanical Clamping means which act on the edge of the drum or as pneumatic suction means, the primarily on the barrel lid or bottom attack trained.

To further improve cleaning efficiency and cleaning options provides a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention that the Device as a rotary for clocked conveying one in the rotating device held barrel to one or more other, the detachment station downstream Fassbehandlungsstationen is formed. The device according to the invention So not only has the one detachment station for the coat label, but rather There may also be integrated further drum treatment stations which have certain Allow cleaning procedures. The device is expediently for this purpose designed as a rotary, d. h., which then provided several Turning devices are moved about a central axis to accommodate the ones received therein Barrels clocked from station to station to bring these stations are also positioned along the circular path.

One of the detachment station downstream barrel treatment station can as another Ablösestation or cleaning station, in the barrel casing, the first in the the first detachment station has already been freed from the label, to eliminate last label remnants or traces of glue etc. Again, it is expediently a high-pressure spray system used in the cleaning fluid is sprayed under high pressure on the barrel coat.

Alternatively or additionally, another drum treatment station may also a cleaning station for cleaning a drum side opening, in particular a tapping opening for tapping liquid in the barrel, in particular Be provided for beer. In many beer kegs, for example, the beginning described beer keg with the integrated self-cooling device, is a so-called "Bavarian puncture" provided, in which a tap is used over then the beer in the beer bubble is tapped. Also with others Drums are often provided corresponding removal openings. In the inventive Device is now provided a special cleaning station, which allows barrel cleaning in the area of this opening. This is special very important for beer to be able to rinse out any leftovers there, otherwise lead to contamination new, filled in the bubble beer would. The cleaning station itself knows for this purpose in the opening insertable lance for dispensing cleaning fluid. Depending on how the barrel opening is formed, the lance is carried out accordingly. At a Beer keg with the integrated self-cooling device must be one of the lances Drum opening downstream flap valve to be opened sufficiently to be able to penetrate far into the opening and rinse out existing residues can. In any case, this offers the barrel opening cleaning station another way to improve the cleaning efficiency. Of course is here as in all other fiber treatment serving stations the barrel conveniently held on top and hanging freely down, so that accumulating cleaning fluid can drain freely down.

After it as described during the cleaning of the barrel opening serving Cleaning device is required with a cleaning device such as a lance to penetrate into the opening, it is necessary that the opening is properly positioned with respect to the lance. For this purpose, it is envisaged advance or assign a positioning station to the cleaning station, comprising means for detecting the position of the opening while the drum rotates and positioning the barrel in a predetermined position. In this positioning station, which is also started clocked, turns the barrel while suitable position detecting means detect the opening. As such Means may be used for any detection device that detects the detection the opening allows. For example, here are laser detectors or infrared detectors or the like usable. Do the detection means have the opening detected, the rotary device is driven accordingly, the barrel in one to lock in a predetermined position dependent on the detected opening position, in which it then safely enter the cleaning device in the opening can.

After often not only on the barrel coat a label is applied, but also on the drum lid, it is expedient to continue to design the device, that a detachment of such a label is possible. To realize this, provides a useful embodiment of the invention, in or Ablösestation at least one device for moistening a lid or Bottom of the barrel attached label and a cleaning device in the cleaning station to detach the moistened label. After this Thus, the design of the detachment station not only has the task, the peel off coat-side label, but also, a befindliches on the lid or bottom At least moisten label. Is the label on the drum lid, the barrel is conveniently held upside down in the rotating device, d. h., it hangs down freely with the drum lid. This allows a simple Access to moisten the label, conveniently via a fluid nozzle is injected. The actual replacement takes place in the already described Cleaning station used to clean the barrel opening. Also So this station has a double function. After that as described Label on the free hanging barrel bottom is easily accessible, can a simple detachment take place in the cleaning station, which expediently also via a fluid nozzle, in the cleaning fluid under high Pressure is applied, takes place. Again, the particular advantage of the top side shows Drum suspension, after the label or the peeled off Label parts can fall freely down.

As already described, the top-side drum suspension allows the peeled labels or parts thereof can fall down without falling into the Work area of the respective detachment or cleaning device to get. The device itself is expediently closed like a box, in the case a rotary transfer system is thus a round housing, avoided over the is that the primarily used cleaning fluid to the outside can penetrate. The peeled labels or the parts of the same accumulate at the bottom of the device, from where they have to be removed. This should be expediently take place automatically, so that it is avoided that the device operation to interrupt manual cleaning. To this Purpose provides a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention that the Device inclined at an angle to a preferably central discharge opening Has ground on which a peeled or peeled label falls or Parts of it fall and slide to the discharge opening. That is, a sloping The label part automatically slides towards the discharge opening and can be removed from the device deducted, this being the case at the relevant stations a cleaning liquid is used, quasi done by rinsing.

For removal of the labels or parts thereof is expediently a the discharge opening downstream conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt provided for conveying a fallen on the label or of Share it serves. About this conveyor, the label waste, for example fed to a downstream shredder for crushing the waste become. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the intake directly Downstream shredder.

After primarily a cleaning liquid is used, drops when peeling, Moisten or clean a corresponding amount of fluid. Conveniently, this is also deducted automatically and the fluid circuit fed again. This preferably also takes place via the im inclined floor provided discharge opening. The limb following her or holey conveyor belt is liquid-permeable, so that the liquid accordingly deducted and preferably at least one filter device for Filtering the withdrawn liquid can be supplied. The purified liquid is then fed to the fluid circuit where needed becomes. Conveniently, the stations have where cleaning fluid sprayed on will, through its own feeders and pumps, so that the cleaning fluid is distributed accordingly.

As already described, the device has a closed housing. In order to give up barrels for cleaning or to remove cleaned barrels, is on the housing side of the barrel task serving task opening and one of Drum removal serving opening, each with an automatically operable Door, in particular provided a lifting door. The lift doors are also actuated clocked, and in each case when a barrel movement must be made.

Fig. 1

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Aufsicht,

Fig. 2

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer ersten Seitenansicht,

Fig. 3

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer zweiten Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 5

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6

die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung einer dritten Ausführungsform, und

Fig. 7

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 6 in einer Seitenansicht.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and with reference to the drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

a schematic diagram of a device according to the invention in a plan view,

Fig. 2

1 is a first side view of the device of FIG.

Fig. 3

the device of Fig. 1 in a second side view,

Fig. 4

a device according to the invention of a second embodiment,

Fig. 5

the device of Fig. 1 in a side view,

Fig. 6

the device according to the invention a third embodiment, and

Fig. 7

the device of Fig. 6 in a side view.

1 shows a device 1 according to the invention in the form of a rotary indexing machine. The device has a device housing 2, over which it is on all sides Closed up and down to avoid cleaning fluid injected to the outside. About a first transport device 3 are the barrels 4 to be cleaned, e.g. the beer kegs described above with the integrated Self-cooling device, the device supplied. The device has a first lifting door 5 in the area of the barrel task, depending on the power stroke the device can be opened and closed, as indicated by the arrow A. is shown. A corresponding lifting door 6 can be found on the barrel delivery, too this lift door can be shown as a function of the clock as indicated by the double arrow B, be opened and closed to remove cleaned barrels.

About the transport device 3, the respective barrel 4 to a rotating device 7 promoted at the multiple rotating devices 8 with corresponding drum holding means 8, preferably mechanical means, are provided which make it possible a barrel brought into the receiving position, in FIG. 1 the barrel 4a, to grab at the top. The barrels are mostly upside down, so standing with the drum lid on the transport device 3, transported. The rotator 7 is e.g. a turning ring on which the self-employed and separately arranged on own integrated electric motors rotatable rotating devices 8 are, and the clocked by an electric motor 9 can be rotated.

If a drum 4a has been gripped successfully, it is controlled by a control device 10, at the same time the entire pump technology and overall device operation controls whether it is in the area of barrel removal Barrel 4f is delivered to the local conveyor belt 11 and conveyed out. If this is the case, so the removal position is free, is via the control device 10 the rotating device 7 driven. Rotates over the drive motor 9 this around the central axis C, as shown by the arrow D. This leads to, that all hanging on the rotating devices 8 arranged barrels to a measure to the next station to be processed there to become.

As shown in Fig. 1, a total of six stations are provided, namely on the one hand the station I, in which the barrel holder takes place on the rotating device 8. When Next, the station II, which is a detachment station, in the Moment the barrel 4b is arranged. This follows the station III, at which it is is also a detachment station or a cleaning station. In this is currently the barrel 4c. This is downstream station IV, at it is a position detection station for a barrel opening and in which the barrel 4d is located in the figure. The station IV is the station V downstream, in which it is a cleaning station for the detected opening which station is occupied by barrel 4e. Finally station VI is the Delivery station in which the cleaned barrels are delivered and at the moment from the barrel 4f is occupied.

For the following explanation, the course of the barrel 4a, located in the loading station I is described by the device.

If, as described, the rotation is released, the rotating device 7 is activated, and the barrel 4a brought to the station II. This one is a detachment station for the keg-coated label 12, in which it For example, it is a sleeve that has shrunk. The barrels For example, they may have an integrated self-cooling device.

In the station II, a detachment device 13 (not shown in detail in FIG. 1) is provided, comprising a fluid nozzle 14, shown only in principle, via the externally supplied cleaning fluid under high pressure on the label 12 is sprayed. After the barrel 4a has been conveyed to station II, it rotates about the axis E, what about the rotating device 8 and the holding means 8, which rotate is realized. For this, e.g. provided a suitable electric motor. The means that the drum rotates with respect to the detachment device 13 or the high-pressure fluid nozzle 14. This is positioned relatively close to the label, so that the sharp high-pressure liquid jet cut the label 12 and during the barrel rotation replaces. The fluid nozzle 14 is vertically movable, moves So from top to bottom and back. As a result, a multiple-area peeling or treating the entire barrel shell realized. The peeled off Label 12 or the parts thereof fall after the barrel 4 hangs down, down on the inclined bottom 15, from where it is discharged, as below will be described.

At the same time in the station II, the moistening of a possible, on the drum lid (the freely accessible from above due to the head-over-holder of the barrels is), located labels, including a liquid nozzle not shown in detail the detaching device 13 is provided to moisten this area.

At the end of the power stroke, the rotator 7 moves again in a clock and brings barrel 4a to station III, which is a detachment or cleaning station in which again the barrel mantle is processed. Here too a detachment or cleaning device 16 is provided, which is a corresponding Liquid nozzle 17 has. The barrel 4a revolves also here the fixed, vertically movable liquid nozzle 17. Here are label residues, which still stick to the barrel coat, radiated. As the figures show, hang free the barrels down to stations I and VI, so that detached Waste as well as the liquid in this station fall down or flow away.

The barrel 4a is now conveyed via the rotating device 7 in the station IV. at this is a position detection station, which is a corresponding Position detecting device 18, by means of which an opening in each barrel grasping during capture and the barrel in a predetermined position is locked due to the detection result. The detection device 18, for example a laser detection device or the like, detects the dispensing opening. If this is done, will be due to the detected Opening position the still given barrel rotation ended and the barrel by appropriate control of the rotating device 8 in a defined position locked. In this it is then in the next cycle on the rotator 7th brought into the station V, where a cleaning device 19 is provided, comprising a horizontally extendable cleaning lance 20, in the detected and positioned opening retracts and these residues of the former in the barrel befindliches liquid cleans. At the same time is about a not shown Liquid nozzle of the cleaning device 19 located on the drum base Label detached. Also this falls, after the barrel also in the station V free hangs down on the sloping floor 15.

When this treatment step is over, the keg will become a subsequent one Work cycle promoted in the station VI, where it is given to the conveyor belt 11 becomes.

The side views of Figures 2 and 3 show as described the cone-like inclined bottom 15, which inclines towards a central vent 21. about these are peeled off the peeled or detached labels and label parts. The cleaning fluid used also flows through this opening down and flooding the labels and the label parts. The labels are falling on a conveyor belt 22, this waste to a receiving or shredding device 23 promotes where they are crushed. The conveyor belt is for as well permeable cleaning liquid which initially enters a bath 24, in which a suitable filter device 25 is provided, where the cleaning liquid is cleaned of the last contaminant residues. Then comes the Liquid back into the liquid circuit, in the example shown a Low-pressure branch 26 and a high-pressure branch 27 has. The low pressure branch serves, for example, to supply the moistening nozzle to the lid label to moisten and possibly also the appropriate detachment nozzle, while the high pressure branch for supplying the Etikettabschäldüse and the shell side Cleaning nozzle is used.

Fig. 4 shows two further devices 28 according to the invention, which is a tandem device form. Each device has a separate feed conveyor belt 29 and a separate discharge conveyor 30, but both are parallel. The However, transport facilities are aligned here, d. H. they have the same transport direction, unlike the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3.

Otherwise, the operation of the device 28 is similar to that described above Contraption. In addition, however, here is a first bath 31 and a this provided downstream second bath 32, wherein the cleaning liquid flows from the bathroom 31 into the bath 32. The bath 32 has an additional conveyor belt 33 on, over the last impurities in the form of label remnants that over the downstream of the drain opening conveyor 34 are not tapped could be transported away.

Finally, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further embodiment according to the invention a device 35. Unlike the devices described above the device 35 has only four work stations, namely the station I in which the recording of a barrel is made, the station II, which is the detachment station for the shell-side label is, finally, the station III, where it a combined position detection and opening cleaning station and station IV, where a cleaned barrel is delivered. Otherwise The operation corresponds to the above-described embodiments. Different to in the embodiment according to FIG. 5, however, the second bath is not an additional one here Assigned conveyor belt. That is, in both baths, the liquid purification takes place solely due to the integrated filter devices.

Claims (20)

Device for the desalting and cleaning of drums with a label which adheres firmly to the drum casing, preferably completely circulating, in particular beer kegs, preferably beer kegs with an integrated self-cooling device, characterized in that at least one rotating device (8) for turning the keg (4) and at least a detachment station (II) is provided, in which the barrel (4) is rotatable by means of the turning device (8) with respect to a fixed detaching device (13) by means of which the label (12) is peeled off the drum casing. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the detaching device (13) has at least one liquid (14) or air nozzle for dispensing peeling causing liquid or air or at least one acting on the barrel, the label peeling off the label. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one liquid (14) or air nozzle or the at least one knife during the peeling substantially vertically with respect to the rotating barrel (4) is movable. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one liquid (14) or air nozzle or the at least one knife is continuously or intermittently vertically movable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turning device comprises means for holding the barrel on the top from above, so that it hangs down freely. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the means are designed as mechanical clamping means or as pneumatic suction means. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as a rotary for clocked conveying a held in a rotating device (8) barrel to one or more further, the detaching station downstream barrel treatment stations. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a rotating device (7) is provided in the form of a motor-rotatably rotating ring on which a plurality of rotating devices (8), which are independently rotatable by motor, are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that is provided as a further drum treatment station, a cleaning station (V) for cleaning a drum side opening, in particular a tapping opening for tapping of liquid in the barrel, in particular beer. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the cleaning station (V) has an insertable into the opening lance (20) for dispensing cleaning liquid. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the cleaning station (V) is preceded by a positioning station (IV), comprising means (18) for detecting the position of the opening while the drum (4) rotates and for positioning the drum (4). in a predetermined position. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that in the detaching station (II) at least one device for moistening a label applied to the lid or bottom of the drum (4) and in the cleaning station (V) a detachment device for detaching the moistened label is provided. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the moistening device and the detachment means each comprise at least one fluid nozzle. Device according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that a peeled or detached label (12) or part thereof is automatically removable. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that an inclined to a discharge opening (21) inclined bottom (13) is provided, on which a peeled or detached label (10) falls or parts thereof fall and to the discharge opening (18) slides. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the discharge opening (21) downstream of a conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt (22) for conveying a label fallen thereon (12) or parts thereof. Apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that one of the discharge opening (21) or the conveyor, in particular the conveyor belt (22) downstream shredder (23) for comminuting the labels (12) or parts thereof is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the obtained during peeling, moistening or cleaning liquid is automatically withdrawn and fed to the liquid circuit again. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one filter means (25) is provided for filtering the withdrawn liquid. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a closed housing (2) with a feed opening serving the task and a barrel removal opening with each having an automatically operable door, in particular a lifting door (5, 6).

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